James Dean Made Only Three Big Movies, and Became an Icon Forever
He was 24 when he died. His career as a leading man lasted barely 18 months.
Few stars have had a career as short, or as influential, as James Dean's.
Three films
Dean starred in just three major films: East of Eden (1955), Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Giant (1956). His restless, emotional performances defined what it meant to be a teenager in the 1950s.
A sudden end
On September 30, 1955, Dean was driving his new Porsche 550 Spyder to a race in Salinas, California, when he was killed in a collision near Cholame. He was 24. Rebel Without a Cause had not yet opened in theaters.
Honored after death
Dean received Academy Award nominations for both East of Eden and Giant after his death. He remains the only actor to receive two posthumous Oscar nominations for acting.
His image, in a red jacket or leaning against a wall with a cigarette, is still sold on posters and T-shirts around the world nearly 70 years later.
This story is based on the stars' own interviews and memoirs and on widely reported history. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
